By Junex Doronio
MANILA — In a situation reminiscent of the 2002 action-thriller movie “Bourne Identity,” the true identity of Bamban (Tarlac) Mayor Alice Guo has become a mystery. This prompted the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to recommend her preventive suspension to the Office of the Ombudsman, amid ongoing investigations into her background and alleged ties to Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs).
DILG Secretary Benhur Abalos on Friday (17 May 2024) said the agency began looking into Guo’s supposed involvement in POGO operations last month.
He said a task force led by lawyer Benjamin Zabala of the Internal Audit Service (IAS) led the probe.
“The task force’s updated report has been submitted today, May 17, 2024, to the Office of the Ombudsman for their appropriate action. Based on the report, there are troubling findings of serious illegal acts which may have severe legal implications,” the DILG chief said.
“The DILG recommended to the Ombudsman the issuance of a preventive suspension against Mayor Guo, to prevent any influence on the continuing investigations of our and other agencies,” Abalos said.
(el Amigo/MNM)
